Ruben Amorim equals 22-year Premier League record – but joins unwanted Manchester United list following Ipswich blow
Manchester United’s new era under Ruben Amorim got off to the perfect start – before it ended in familiar fashion at Ipswich. The Portuguese manager made a flying start to life in the Premier League as Marcus Rashford scored after just 81 seconds of the clash that finished 1-1. Rashford has scored the first goal of the Amorim eraGetty The England international has now scored as many top-flight goals under Amorim as he had done under Erik ten Hag since the March international break. His early opener means Amorim is only the second permanent Premier League manager ever to see his side score within two minutes of their first game. Ironically, he follows another former United manager in David Moyes, who enjoyed similar success – but at Everton. The Scot watched David Unsworth grab an early goal inside 30 seconds en route to the Toffees’ 2-1 win over Fulham in March 2002. Over 22 years and a failed Old Trafford stint later, Amorim has joined him in the record books after Rashford struck at Portman Road. Amorim’s tactical prowess instntly paid dividends as Amad Diallo, operating in an unorthodox wing-back role, turned provider with a low cross for Rashford, although it wasn’t enough for the win. The ex-Sporting Lisbon manager become the latest United boss after Ruud van Nistelrooy [interim], Ten Hag, Michael Carrick [caretaker] and Louis van Gaal to not win his first Premier League match in charge of the club. In fact, Amorim is the first permanent United manager to draw in their opening Premier League clash. Despite United taking an early lead, it was Ipswich who began to take control of the match. And had it not have been for Andre Onana’s stunning save to deny Liam Delap in the 40th minute, the hosts would have been level. Amorim-ball didn’t take long to take the Premier League by storm GettyOmari Hutchinson equalised for Ipswich with a cracking strike just before half-time[/caption] But three minutes later, the Suffolk outfit got the goal they deserved. Omari Hutchinson levelled the scoring shortly with an excellent strike, his first goal in the English top-flight. Taking aim from outside the box, his curling left-footed effort clipped off the top of Noussair Mazraoui’s head and into the top left corner. And it was Ipswich who were the more threatening in the second half, with Onana again making a wonderful save to keep out Delap as Ipswich threatened to take home all three points. The result leaves United 12th in the table having won just four out of their 12 league matches. As for Ipswich, they remain in the relegation zone in 18th place, but are now three games unbeaten in the division. Portuguese manager Amorim has arrived in England with great expectationsGetty United legend Roy Keane was less than pleased by what he saw, as he insisted his former employers don’t have the quality to finish in the top four. The Sky Sports pundit stated: “This team, for the last year or two, has been all about moments. “United sat back and you’re thinking, what are you waiting for? Go after them! “They seemed fearful to go on and win the game. They lacked the confidence and belief. “Do I believe they have the quality to get them back to top four? Absolutely not. The evidence is not there. “It’s the same old stuff. Predictable and a real lack of quality.” United dominated possession, but it was Ipswich that carved out the better chances
Manchester United’s new era under Ruben Amorim got off to the perfect start – before it ended in familiar fashion at Ipswich.
The Portuguese manager made a flying start to life in the Premier League as Marcus Rashford scored after just 81 seconds of the clash that finished 1-1.
The England international has now scored as many top-flight goals under Amorim as he had done under Erik ten Hag since the March international break.
His early opener means Amorim is only the second permanent Premier League manager ever to see his side score within two minutes of their first game.
Ironically, he follows another former United manager in David Moyes, who enjoyed similar success – but at Everton.
The Scot watched David Unsworth grab an early goal inside 30 seconds en route to the Toffees’ 2-1 win over Fulham in March 2002.
Over 22 years and a failed Old Trafford stint later, Amorim has joined him in the record books after Rashford struck at Portman Road.
Amorim’s tactical prowess instntly paid dividends as Amad Diallo, operating in an unorthodox wing-back role, turned provider with a low cross for Rashford, although it wasn’t enough for the win.
The ex-Sporting Lisbon manager become the latest United boss after Ruud van Nistelrooy [interim], Ten Hag, Michael Carrick [caretaker] and Louis van Gaal to not win his first Premier League match in charge of the club.
In fact, Amorim is the first permanent United manager to draw in their opening Premier League clash.
Despite United taking an early lead, it was Ipswich who began to take control of the match.
And had it not have been for Andre Onana’s stunning save to deny Liam Delap in the 40th minute, the hosts would have been level.
But three minutes later, the Suffolk outfit got the goal they deserved.
Omari Hutchinson levelled the scoring shortly with an excellent strike, his first goal in the English top-flight.
Taking aim from outside the box, his curling left-footed effort clipped off the top of Noussair Mazraoui’s head and into the top left corner.
And it was Ipswich who were the more threatening in the second half, with Onana again making a wonderful save to keep out Delap as Ipswich threatened to take home all three points.
The result leaves United 12th in the table having won just four out of their 12 league matches.
As for Ipswich, they remain in the relegation zone in 18th place, but are now three games unbeaten in the division.
United legend Roy Keane was less than pleased by what he saw, as he insisted his former employers don’t have the quality to finish in the top four.
The Sky Sports pundit stated: “This team, for the last year or two, has been all about moments.
“United sat back and you’re thinking, what are you waiting for? Go after them!
“They seemed fearful to go on and win the game. They lacked the confidence and belief.
“Do I believe they have the quality to get them back to top four? Absolutely not. The evidence is not there.
“It’s the same old stuff. Predictable and a real lack of quality.”
